Differential lube ???

HDRIDER

I have a 1976 gas 3 wheeled cart. The last time we used it, the wheels locked up for a short time. I did get it rolling again and it has happened once again. I know I am low on differential fluid and thought this might be the reason. Does anyone have any other ideas that I can check out? I do also need to know what weight of differential fluid I should use. Thanks in for any ideas.
Wes

BGW

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Whitespider

Hmmmm.... Although I've not yet opened the differential on a Harley cart... going on 22-years of experience in automotive repair... I believe your problem won't be fixed by filling the differential.

With that said... I believe any 80/90 weight gear lube will be fine.

HDRIDER

Thanks for the quick response, but if you don't think putting in gear oil will solve my problem, any other ideas that I could check out?

Whitespider

If the rear wheels are actually "locking up", the issue is mechanical. Lack of lube may have been a contributing factor, but once the mechanical problems manifest themselves it's too late for lube alone. It's possible, but unlikely, that the brake is sticking, hanging, or malfunctioning in some way; it's also possible that the driven clutch has a problem. But really, it sounds as though the problem is located internally within the differential. It could be as simple (relatively) as a pinion or side bearing and a little file work to clean up any damaged teeth (these don't run 80 MPH)... or it could by considerably more extensive. One possibility that I've seen is the retaining pin/bolt that holds the spider gear shaft in place backs out, allowing the shaft to move and jamb against the case, could be a simple fix requiring no parts if no damage has been done.

Probably the best thing would be to pull the cover off the differential, draining the oil in a pan and check carefully for any pieces of metal in the oil. If metal is found you'll need to figure out where it came from and repair as needed. Give the differential a good cleaning and inspection, checking teeth, side and spider gears, loose or rough bearings, gear mesh, etc. It would be to your advantage, if you know someone experienced with rear ends, to come over and help.

Strawhead

Spider has you looking in the right direction.
If she isn't making any noises (grinding,squealing,ect),odds are that no "major" damage has been done,a good cleaning should do wonders.

Strawhead

Spider has you looking in the right direction.
If she isn't making any noises (grinding,squealing,ect),odds are that no "major" damage has been done,a good cleaning should do wonders.